Improving Health Outcomes With Kefir

The primary outcome is the change in HbA1c levels, measured as a percentage of total hemoglobin using standard laboratory methods. This measurement assesses average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing insight into the effect of our traditional kefir on long-term glucose regulation.

This outcome measures the change in fasting plasma glucose levels using standard blood glucose analysis. The assessment at multiple time points will provide insights into the short-term impact of our traditional kefir on fasting glucose regulation.

This outcome evaluates changes in total cholesterol concentration, providing insights into the effect of our traditional kefir on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

This outcome measures the change in LDL-C levels, a primary marker of cardiovascular health, to assess the potential cardiovascular benefits of our traditional kefir. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

This outcome assesses the change in HDL-C concentration to evaluate whether our traditional kefir consumption has beneficial effects on lipid profiles. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

This outcome measures the change in triglyceride concentration to determine the effect of our traditional kefir on lipid metabolism and metabolic health. It will be measured in serum samples using standard laboratory methods.

This outcome measures changes in CRP, a systemic inflammation marker, providing insight into whether our traditional kefir impacts inflammatory responses in participants. It will be measured in plasma samples using standard laboratory methods.

This outcome measures changes in IL-2 levels in the supernatant of ex vivo-stimulated cells derived from whole blood, serving as a surrogate marker of T-cell proliferation. IL-2 will be quantified using cytokine analysis of cell culture supernatants following mitogen stimulation. This assessment provides insight into immune function and response.

This outcome evaluates changes in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels in the supernatant of ex vivo-stimulated cells derived from whole blood. IFN-γ is a key cytokine secreted by T helper cells, serving as an indicator of cellular immune response and Th1 activity. IFN-γ will be quantified using cytokine analysis of cell culture supernatants following mitogen stimulation.

This outcome measures changes in TNF-α levels in the supernatant of ex vivo-stimulated cells derived from whole blood. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and serves as a marker of immune system activation. TNF-α will be quantified using cytokine analysis of cell culture supernatants following mitogen stimulation.

This outcome examines changes in the composition and functional capacity of the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing or metagenomic analysis. The analysis will focus on relative abundance and diversity of bacterial taxa and functional pathways associated with metabolic health.

This outcome measures changes in body weight using a calibrated digital scale. Participants' weight will be assessed while wearing light clothing and no shoes. This measurement evaluates the effect of our traditional kefir on overall body mass.

BMI will be calculated using body weight (kg) and height (m) measurements. Height will be measured using a stadiometer at baseline only, and BMI will be monitored to assess changes in body composition.

This outcome evaluates changes in waist circumference, measured at the umbilical level using a non-elastic tape. This measurement serves as an indicator of central adiposity and fat distribution.

Hip circumference will be measured at the widest part of the hips using a non-elastic tape. This outcome helps determine changes in fat distribution and body shape.

Body composition will be assessed using BIA to determine changes in fat mass and fat-free mass as percentages of total body weight. Participants will be measured in a fasted state with consistent hydration levels for accuracy.